Blast from the Past - Spring Break 2010

**Thanks to my sister, I stole her title :)**
We decided for Spring Break we wanted to head south for some warmer weather. Our friends, the C family, heard about our plans and generously offered for us to join them in Escalante for a couple of days. We took them up on it and had a FABULOUS time. Thanks to the C family!! We had so much fun and your family is so awesome.

We stayed at Ruby's Inn in Bryce Canyon the first night. We enjoyed swimming inside since the warm weather we were looking for apparently is not at that elevation.
loopy, bubba
monkey, dad, princess, superman, buck
The next day we took a ride into Bryce Canyon.

We made it to Escalante in the afternoon and met up the the C family. Finally, the warm weather we were looking for. After we unloaded, we went hiking. Our kids thought it was great.

monkey

superman

the whole gang **Thanks Ashley for taking some great pictures for us :)**

Princess in the driver's seat with Dad

Holy cow!! Bubba got his permit a couple days before. We were in the middle of nowhere so we figured it was safe.princess getting her groove on
We played outside collecting bones and rocks, digging, playing basketball and riding on 4-wheelers.

princess and loopy

buck and his buddy, Rloopy, princess and miss L.Bubba showing me how to work the 4-wheeler.loopy and bubba

Going out on an adventure. Dave and Bro. C took the kids out for a long ride.

In the afternoon, we went to Devil's garden - one large playground. We heard lots of cool stories from Bro. C's mom about the area.

monkey, superman, Dad

bubba and princess

loopy, G, bubba and monkey

A thirsty princess

monkey, buck and loopy

monkey

superman, dad, loopy, buck

Hiking up to Twenty Mile Wash Dinosaur Track site

the pack horses

Bro. C and his brother explained that this was likely the edge of water. Down the middle of the picture you will see a line this is the mark that the dinosaur's tail left behind. You will see the footprints on either side of the tail. Loopy is standing between two of the footprints.
We were able to see many of these 3-toed dinosaur prints.On the way home, we stopped at the Anasazi State Park in Boulder. Here is Dave checking out the accommodation.

Oh we had so much fun. My kids keep asking when we can go back.

Birthdays, Birthdays....

As always, I am behind with blogging. Kind of....

On March 21st, our adorable Loopy turned 9 (or maybe it was 18).
9 things about our Loopy(no particular order)...
1) loves reading - Fablehaven and Percy Jackson series.
2) very creative - loves to make something for someone, usually cards
3) Loves being with her friends, Zoe and Riley
4) has almost memorized all 13 Articles of Faith
5) loves to be outside on her scooter or bike
6) has started playing softball, is excited for games to start next week
7) is a drama queen :)
8) is a great helper with her little brothers and sister
9) is always making us laugh
We love her so much!!

Buck's 7th birthday was yesterday, May 12th
(why yes I am sharing pics the next day, see one I am not behind on)

7 things about our Buck(again no particular order)

1) has lost two teeth (the 2nd with no drama, see post below)
2) loves the outdoors
3) loves to play basketball
4) is excited for baseball to start and Dad to be his coach
5) likes to give rides to Princess and Superman in the wagon attached to his bike
6) loves to help his grandparents and Brandon
7) requested green eggs and ham and yellow banana pancakes for his b-day breakfast
We love him lots, too.

Rollercoaster ride of losing teeth

Buck lost his first tooth on January 17th. Wow...love those big brown eyes. He was one excited boy until he wanted to see the hole in his mouth and it all went downhill from there. Dad took a picture using his cell phone and showed him. Well, he started to gag. Oh did I mention we were at the hospital visiting Lanette and my new niece, Miss Twinkle. Oh it gets better...I was washing my hands to hold Miss Twinkle when Buck decided to get sick on the back of my skirt and the floor. Nice. Poor Buck he was so embarrassed.

However on a positive note, one of the cool things he found about losing a front tooth is a straw fits neatly in the space so you can drink your juice box without opening your teeth.
PS. We found the other night that tooth #2 is loose. He let me feel how wiggly it was and I mentioned that is should be coming out soon since the tooth is right behind. This prompted more gagging. Note to self: have a bucket handy.

Christmas and New Year's in a Nutshell

**This update is long but we hope you enjoy**

We started the season with the cutest Rudolph in the herd. Buck and the 1st grade walked to a local assisted living center to sing carols and spread Christmas cheer.

I organized the Christmas party for Loopy's school class and we had lots of fun. Mooseltoe was a gift from her teacher to each member of the class. We love the book!

Monkey relaying messages to Santa during the school Christmas sing-a-long.

Cousins by Gpa H's grave

It has been a tradition for as long as I can remember that the Saturday before Christmas the Harmon family goes out to breakfast. We have since added a few additional activities to the day. In celebration of my Dad's birthday and in honor of him, we did some santa's helper shopping for families who needed a little extra help. After shopping, we decorated Gpa H's and Owen's graves for the season.

Tiger decorating little brother's tree.

So after a fun filled morning with my family, we met up with Dave's family in the afternoon to continue the fun. We had lunch, played games, opened gifts and made fun crafts.

This cowboy hat is one of Superman's favorite presents this year. Honestly, we could have given Princess nothing but boxes and containers for Christmas and she would have been thrilled.

We got together with cousins and made graham cracker house at Gma's house. This is the best smile we have seen from Bubba in a picture for a while so it made it into the blog.

Loopy

We spent Christmas Eve with my family.

Bubba got this fun apron from a cousin (his aunt made it). We thought it was too funny.

Shawn, Superman, Zebra, Buck and Ryan

Luminaries at the cemetery on Christmas Eve.
Bubba, Princess, Me, Gma H and Sara

We had an awesome Christmas that started about 7:45am. Who knew it would be the teenager that we would have to keep quiet for the others to sleep. I recorded Christmas morning but did not get any still pictures of the event. Then later on the pictures at Gpa and Gma B's are all orange. So here are a few from Christmas day that actually turned out.

Bubba and his new hat

Superman (translation for his facial expression..This is a very cool gift).

During the week, we were able to play at the school. It is nice having a Gma with connections especially when it was snowing all day. We played in the gym, ate lunch and watch movies in a theater room they have at the school.

Hammy, Princess, Peanut and Patrick
Princess and Hammy spent lots of the time going down one side of steps and up the other side.

On New Year's Eve, we ate, played games and watch movies.

Buck and Me

Superman is the first party crasher of the night.

Dave and Bubba

We hope your Holiday was filled with love, family and the Spirit of Christ!!